28 Stories of Aids in Africa

An astounding book, by a journalist who has travelled through Africa to record the stories of people infected by the HIV virus

The first thing that struck me about this book was the title.  “28 stories of AIDS”?  Only 28?  And as I began to read, the magnitude hit me – the numbers, the statistics, the geography.  Stephanie Nolen wrote 28 stories, one for every million people infected by AIDS in Africa.

Each short chapter is illustrated by a black and white photograph of its subject and as you read their stories and look into their eyes, you find yourself engrossed and horrified at the harsh realities of living with AIDS in Africa.  For many, the stigma is a heavier burden than the diagnosis itself and Nolen lays it bare at our feet.  Skilfully, she uses each personal story – such as truck driver Mohammed’s incredible claim that he has slept with over 100 000 women – to highlight the factors that explain the high prevalence rates in African countries: conflicts, with soldiers systematically raping women in the villages they destroy, thus spreading the disease; the phenomenon of refugee camps where women and young girls have to trade sex for food; economics, with men having to find work far away from their homes and wives.

But far from being depressing, each tale speaks of dignity, courage and survival, as many victims turn saviours, and fight to raise awareness about AIDS in their communities.